Carter named worlds best

Dan Carter has been named the IRB player of the year at the IRB awards in London on Monday.

Carter took the crown from France's Thierry Dusautoir and was named as the worlds best for the second time in his career, the first coming in 2005.

It was a shutout for the All Blacks with coach Steve Hansen winning coach of the year after his first season in charge of the Kiwi side. Hansen follows in the footsteps of Graham Henry, who had been named coach of the year the previous two season in succession.

Unsurprisingly, the All Blacks were also named the team of the year with captain Richie McCaw presenting himself on stage to claim the honors.

"Dan Carter has bounced back from the disappointment of missing the majority of the (2011) World Cup through injury to show what a truly magnificent player he is and a wonderful ambassador for our sport," IRB chairman Bernard Lapasset said.

"Winning this award for the second time reflects his sheer talent and ability."